Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Santanu Panja, Bart Dietrich, Adriana Trabold, Agata Zydel, Aleena Qadir, Dave J. Adams
Summary: By increasing the hydrophobic chain length, the properties of the resulting multicomponent systems can be altered to exhibit ambidextrous phase behavior on pH perturbation.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ziyang Zhang, Ziao Tian, Yongfeng Mei, Zengfeng Di
Summary: Two-dimensional materials like graphene and molybdenum disulfide offer new possibilities for electronics, optics, and biosensing applications. By using kirigami/origami techniques, these materials can be reshaped into three-dimensional structures, expanding their applications and enhancing device performance. This shaping strategy not only integrates 2D materials with 3D structures controllably, but also opens up new ways to enhance the properties of 2D materials and develop innovative functions.
MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING R-REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Giacomo Picci, Claudia Caltagirone, Alessandra Garau, Vito Lippolis, Jessica Milia, Jonathan W. Steed
Summary: This review discusses recent advancements in the design, synthesis, and characterization of metallogels and coordination complex-based gels. It emphasizes systems that possess recognition and sensing properties towards various analytes.
COORDINATION CHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Canglei Yang, Lixing Luo, Jinqiu Chen, Bo Yang, Wei Wang, Hebin Wang, Guankui Long, Guangfeng Liu, Jing Zhang, Wei Huang
Summary: The translation discusses the synthesis of helical structures from achiral molecules and the importance of stimulus-responsive shape transformations in biomimetics and mechanical actuators. By studying the helix motion kinetics of Form 1 crystal and the growth process of self-assembled helical microstructures, a new approach in achieving helical morphologies is illustrated.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Santiago Bascuas, Pere Morell, Isabel Hernando, Amparo Quiles
Summary: Solid fats play a crucial role in providing desirable functionality, texture, and palatability to food, but they are linked to adverse chronic health effects. In response to the growing demand for more natural and healthy ingredients, oil structuring has emerged as a prominent strategy to replace saturated and trans fats. Researchers have developed optimized indirect methods using hydrocolloids to structure oil, resulting in gelled emulsions and oleogels, creating novel healthy food structures based on polysaccharides, proteins, and their supramolecular interactions, which can generate various types of healthy colloidal systems with distinct sensory, texture, and stability properties.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Eleni Ntone, Remco Kornet, Paul Venema, Marcel B. J. Meinders, Erik van der Linden, Johannes H. Bitter, Leonard M. C. Sagis, Constantinos Nikiforidis
Summary: The study investigated the roles of napins and cruciferins in structuring emulsion-filled gels, showing that they form a complementary protein network in the presence of oil droplets. The rheological and microstructural properties of the EFGs were affected by the oil concentration and pH, with emulsion droplets increasing gel firmness. The presence of two different proteins with complementary roles in structuring food emulsion-filled gels provides a single protein ingredient suitable for food applications.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luke I. Chambers, Dmitry S. Yufit, Osama M. Musa, Jonathan W. Steed
Summary: This research investigates the mechanism by which a hair care mixture strengthens hair fibers through studying the different forms of the target gluconamide and the interactions between the gluconate-derived mixture and hair fibers. The study reveals that the gluconamide can aggregate and become a supramolecular gelator in aniline and benzyl alcohol solution.
CRYSTAL GROWTH & DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Benedikt P. Nowak, Maximilian Niehues, Bart Jan Ravoo
Summary: The study reports a peptide-based gelator, Nap GFYE, that can form hydrogels and incorporate Fe3O4 superparamagnetic nanoparticles to create a hybrid gel that transitions from a gel to sol state upon application of a weak magnetic field. The magnetic nanoparticles act as crosslinkers for the self-assembled peptide nanostructures, enhancing the mechanical properties of the gel and enabling on-demand release of a fluorescent dye.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mita Dutta, Shreya Banerjee, Mahitosh Mandal, Manish Bhattacharjee
Summary: A self-healable metallohydrogel of Mn(ii) has been successfully prepared using a low molecular weight gelator, Na2HL. It has been characterized by various techniques and encapsulated with drugs IND and GEM. The GEM-loaded metallogel showed enhanced delivery and cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells, while the MOG_IND exhibited improved anti-inflammatory response compared to the drug alone.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jeanette N. Loos, Charlotte E. Boott, Dominic W. Hayward, Gabriel Hum, Mark J. MacLachlan
Summary: A class of amino acid-based low-molecular-weight gelators were used to study the tunable optical properties and self-assembly process of single and multicomponent gels. The optical properties of multicomponent gels were easily tuned by changing component proportions, with transparency attributed to changes in fiber diameters. The structural similarities of molecules in the gel phase favored coassembly packing over self-sorting, and molecular packing in the crystalline phase was found to translate into the gel network structure.
Article
Polymer Science
Simone Giuseppe Giuffrida, Weronika Forysiak, Pawel Cwynar, Roza Szweda
Summary: Sensors are tools used for detecting and recording signals from the environment, while polymers are versatile materials widely used in sensor devices. By controlling the structure, polymer materials can enhance the selectivity of sensors. This article discusses examples of polymer gels and foldamer-based sensor systems, emphasizing the importance of further research in increasing sensor selectivity.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Vaishali Singh, Shubhra Kala, Tanmay Rom, Avijit Kumar Paul, Rampal Pandey
Summary: A new preparation method for a bidentate N,O-donor Schiff base fluorescent ligand and its complexes with Ni(ii) and Zn(ii) was illustrated. The structure of the ligand and one complex was determined by X-ray single crystal analysis. The ligand formed a mechanically stable Ni(ii)-gel, which exhibited reversible ON-OFF-ON fluorescence switching behavior in the presence of Zn2+, Cu2+ and Hg2+.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dieu Phuong Nguyen Thi, Dieu Linh Tran, Phuong Le Thi, Ki Dong Park, Thai Thanh Hoang Thi
Summary: The study involved encapsulating bioactive compounds from Cordyline terminalis leaf extract in gelatin-polyethylene glycol-tyramine (GPT) / alpha-cyclodextrin (α-CD) gels to create materials for biomedical applications with antioxidant properties and high biocompatibility. The addition of the extract delayed gelation time, but sustained release of polyphenols was achieved by adjusting the aqCT amount and gel properties.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aoli Wu, Yongxian Guo, Xianbao Li, Huimin Xue, Jinbo Fei, Junbai Li
Summary: This study successfully obtained supramolecular gels with a transition from amyloid-like beta-sheet to different supramolecular helices through co-assembly of a specific core recognition motif, revealing the vital roles of the microenvironment of chiral carbon and different stacking modes of additives in the chiral transfer or amplification of L-FmocFF. The dynamic process of helix formation was captured, providing a convenient co-assembly method to explore the structure basis of A beta fibrils with controlled chirality.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Yixuan Qiu, Yanliang Dong, Shuyue Zhao, Jianhua Zhang, Pingsheng Huang, Weiwei Wang, Anjie Dong, Liandong Deng
Summary: The composite cryogel (DCSG/GO) synthesized in this study shows high-fluid adsorption ability, excellent mechanical property, and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. It has great potential in clinical hemorrhage control and anti-infection treatment.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Caroline E. H. Dessent, Ruhee A. Dawood, Leonie C. Jones, Avtar S. Matharu, David K. Smith, Kelechi O. Uleanya
Summary: This commentary describes the efforts made towards decolonizing and diversifying the undergraduate chemistry curriculum in the Physical Sciences faculty, where discussions on this topic are relatively rare. The authors discuss the significance of decolonizing chemistry and provide insights into different strategic approaches that can be followed.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Leonie C. Jones, Julia P. Sarju, Caroline E. H. Dessent, Avtar S. Matharu, David K. Smith
Summary: This article describes the introduction of an online undergraduate EDI training workshop and discusses its goals, design, and evaluation results. The importance of integrating EDI training into compulsory courses is emphasized, and the materials and resources are made available for other institutions to use.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carmen C. Piras, Alasdair G. Kay, Paul G. Genever, Juliette Fitremann, David K. Smith
Summary: This study reports simple strategies to fabricate self-assembled artificial tubular and filamentous systems using a low molecular weight gelator (LMWG). The LMWG can be used in combination with a polymer gelator or alone to create stable gel structures with the ability to generate gold nanoparticles. The results show potential for tissue engineering applications.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Carmen C. Piras, Clare S. Mahon, Paul G. Genever, David K. Smith
Summary: Hydrogels with spatio-temporally controlled properties were fabricated using mild acidification protocols. The hybrid gels showed highly tunable properties and antibacterial activity, making them potential candidates for regenerative medicine applications.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Renny Mathew, Baltzar Stevensson, Michael Pujari-Palmer, Christopher S. Wood, Phillip R. . A. . Chivers, Christopher D. Spicer, Helene Autefage, Molly M. Stevens, Hakan Engqvist, Mattias Eden
Summary: Interactions between biomolecules and structurally disordered calcium phosphate (CaP) surfaces are crucial for bone mineralization, milk complex organization, and biomaterial structure-function relationships. The study reveals that these interactions are driven by electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Alessondra T. Speidel, Phillip R. A. Chivers, Christopher S. Wood, Derrick A. Roberts, Ines P. Correia, April S. Caravaca, Yu Kiu Victor Chan, Catherine S. Hansel, Johannes Heimgaertner, Eliane Mueller, Jill Ziesmer, Georgios A. Sotiriou, Peder S. Olofsson, Molly M. Stevens
Summary: Polyurethane-based hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties and nonfouling characteristics have been synthesized and tested for various applications. The gels show excellent biocompatibility and reduced cellular adhesion compared to a mechanically matched formula. Preliminary implant studies indicate a mild foreign body response. This method offers a simplified platform for fabricating soft PU-based biomaterials.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Matteo Albino, Thomas J. Burden, Carmen C. Piras, Adrian C. Whitwood, Ian J. S. Fairlamb, David K. Smith
Summary: The increase in demand and low abundance of palladium pose a significant threat to its future availability, making research into sustainable palladium-based technologies crucial. This study reports the development of Pd scavenging hybrid gel beads composed of agarose and a low-molecular-weight gelator based on DBS-CONHNH2. These mechanically robust gel beads exhibit potential as practical catalysts for Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions, demonstrating good reusability, green metrics, and improved reaction times compared to previous examples. The leaching of palladium is almost completely eliminated and a detailed investigation explains how the nanoparticles are formed in situ. These ligand-free gel beads can be considered as robust nonligated heterogeneous PdNP catalysts with potential for the development of easily used chemical reaction systems.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jennifer S. Leigh, David K. Smith, Barry A. Blight, Gareth O. Lloyd, Charlie T. McTernan, Emily R. Draper
Summary: Emily Draper and Jennifer Leigh from the International Women in Supramolecular Chemistry (WISC) network collaborated with David Smith to interview fathers in the field of supramolecular chemistry about their experiences with parental leave.
NATURE REVIEWS CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
David K. Smith
Summary: Organic reaction mechanisms are crucial for understanding the functioning of the molecular world. However, many students have a surface-level approach, simply memorizing mechanisms or relying on their knowledge of reagents and products. This paper presents an alternative method of teaching organic reaction mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of mechanistic reasoning and providing a set of priority rules to facilitate understanding. This approach empowers students to think about organic molecules in a more conceptual way, allowing them to predict reactions and solve real-world problems based on first principles.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Petr Slavik, Benjamin R. Trowse, Peter O'Brien, David K. Smith
Summary: In this study, an encapsulating method using low-cost C36H74 organogel was developed to stabilize sensitive organolithium reagents-PhLi, n-BuLi and s-BuLi. The gel significantly enhanced organolithium stability and demonstrated various functionalities such as nucleophilic addition reactions, low-temperature bromine-lithium exchange, ortho-lithiation and C-H functionalization under ambient conditions. The gel simplified the storage, handling and delivery of organolithium reagents, and ensured reproducible reagent portioning. This gel-based delivery system has the potential to revolutionize synthetic chemistry, making powerful reactions safer and more accessible to non-specialist researchers, and promoting the widespread use of these common synthetic methods.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Efstratios D. Sitsanidis, Lara A. L. Dutra, Johanna Schirmer, Romain Chevigny, Manu Lahtinen, Andreas Johansson, Carmen C. Piras, David K. Smith, Marja Tiirola, Mika Pettersson, Maija Nissinen
Summary: In this study, the Fmoc-F/GO hybrid hydrogel was formed by combining Fmoc-F amino acid with graphene oxide (GO) flakes for the first time. GO flakes did not affect Fmoc-F self-assembly but modulated the gel's elasticity and accelerated its formation. The hybrid hydrogel exhibited significant bactericidal activity against Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli), but intermittent bacterial recovery due to the inoculum effect was observed.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chayanan Tangsombun, David K. Smith
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of acid-diffusion to assemble core-shell supramolecular gel beads, allowing for the dynamic fabrication of shaped and patterned gels with embedded metal nanoparticles. The gel beads show pH-responsiveness and temporal and spatial control, enabling the assembly of gel shells. This approach has potential applications in soft nanoelectronics and regenerative medicine.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Emma N. Drew, Carmen C. Piras, Juliette Fitremann, David K. Smith
Summary: Two different low-molecular-weight gelators were 3D-printed as filaments by wet-spinning, and the hybrid gel filaments, which combined the individual properties of the two gelators in synergistic ways, created gel objects with new properties.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Carmen C. Piras, Paul G. Genever, David K. Smith
Summary: The researchers have developed hybrid hydrogels that combine gellan gum polymer gelator with a low-molecular weight gelator. These gels have enhanced stiffness and resistance to shear strain, making them potentially useful for orthopedic applications. The hybrid gel beads also support the growth of human mesenchymal stem cells for extended periods of time. Importantly, the low-molecular weight gelator in the hybrid gels retains its ability to reduce precious metal salts to nanoparticles, allowing for in situ fabrication of silver nanoparticles.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anna K. Patterson, Lamisse H. El-Qarra, David K. Smith
Summary: Enantiomers of the low-molecular-weight gelator DBS-CONHNH2, based on d- or l- 1,3 : 2,4-dibenzylidenesorbitol (DBS), were synthesized. Although enantiomeric gels still form when mixtures of enantiomers are used, they are weaker than homochiral gels. The addition of even a small proportion of the opposite enantiomer leads to the loss of nanoscale chirality. Enantiomeric gels encapsulate different enantiomers of the anti-inflammatory drug naproxen, exhibiting thermal and mechanical differences between diastereomeric systems. This study demonstrates the importance of chirality in DBS assembly and its interactions with chiral additives.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)